Anita Burgess Photography

09/10/2026

You know how sometimes it feels like everything just falls into place?

Sometimes it's pure luck, but mostly it's a combination of luck and good planning.

That's what happened with this photoshoot. We were short on time and Emma from Balanced Books - Qualified Accountant just needed "one good shot".

But with a bit of luck (the weather - aka the light) and some planning (the location and the wardrobe) 30 minutes was all we needed to get her a range of images that work with her branding.

So now instead of just updating her LinkedIn profile, she'll be able to refresh her website as well.

👉 Read the full story over on my blog (link in comments).

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If you just need a quick brand refresh and don't have the time or budget for a full brand shoot, a mini shoot like this is the way to go.

I'm looking at putting a few group minis together for summer - so if you're keen (and maybe have some biz buddies who'd be keen to join in) drop a comment or reach out with a DM. Tauranga, Whakatāne and Rotorua business ladies... I'm looking at you!

01/10/2026

3 days of total "you" time in one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand? Yes please!!

Super excited to be heading to Martinborough in a few weeks to shoot this retreat (and take part in some of the awesome activities Tania DeJonge has lined up) - including a chance to practice my astrophotography (and share some tips!) in a dark sky reserve.

If you feel like you need a bit of a reset before heading into the end of year madness, check it out. There are only a few tickets left and for what's in included they're really good value.

Here's the link: https://www.virtuallythere.co.nz/unplugged-business-retreat/

I have news... overhere quick!

SMILE 📸

Meet Anita Burgess, the photographer joining us at Unplugged.

Anita and I have worked together at business events over the last 4+ years, and now I finally get to bring her to Unplugged.

Anita Burgess Photography is based in Ōhope, working across event, brand, travel and hospitality photography throughout New Zealand and beyond. Her thing is unscripted, real moments, not stiff posed content. Clients say she makes you feel completely at ease in front of the camera, which if you've ever sat through a corporate headshot session, you'll know isn't a given.

Anita's running 15-minute mini headshot sessions for every attendee, 18–20 October in Martinborough. You'll walk away with one free shot, with the option to buy extras if you want more.

Have a look at her work: https://www.anitaburgessphotography.com/

6 spots left for Unplugged, birthday offer ends TODAY 30 September. Link in the bio ⬆⬆⬆ to book.

27/09/2026

There are loads of photos doing the rounds from the NZ Virtual Assistant Awards last weekend... and more to come if the gallery downloads are anything to go by!

Here are a few of my favourites - from award winners to hosts, a couple of candids and that seriously yummy signature cocktail.

Massive thanks to the The VA Foundry and Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand for having me back to shoot my favourite event of the year again, congrats to all the finalists and winners on the night, and a big 🫶 to everyone in the room - you bring the vibe!

20/09/2026

14/09/2026

Here’s a quick secret for anyone running corporate events or conferences…

Ask a sponsor why they signed on again this year, and they’ll rarely quote your post-event report. Instead, they’ll tell you a story. And usually, it’s a story they remember because of a photo.

Maybe it was their rep caught mid-laugh with a room full of delegates, or their founder deep in an unscripted conversation over morning tea - or a moment like this, dancing on the stage with event MC Miraka Davies.

That single photo does more convincing than a 5-page PDF of attendance stats ever could! In 2026, sponsors want proof of real connection, not just a logo hidden on a banner in the corner of the room.

I recently sat down with events and sponsorship guru Tania DeJonge at Virtually There Events to talk all things event photography - you can check out her top takeaways in this blog post - https://www.anitaburgessphotography.com/blog/post/169701/how-event-photography-can-attract-sponsors/

Debtfreediva NZ
Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand

Event crew: What’s your go-to way to keep sponsors happy during a big event? Drop your tips below!

06/09/2026

The contract's signed, the flights are locked in... and I'm off to the Wairarapa to shoot an incredible retreat in October.

Last time I was down that way I fell in love - those stunning landscapes, the vineyards, the cool boutique shops of Greytown and the funky colonial architecture in Martinborough - so I can't wait to get back there and see what it's like in the Spring.

Plus this retreat looks amazing - a great balance of girly downtime, wellness and some real talk about running a business and all the ups and downs that involves. All at the fabulous Tirohana Estate.

Have you seen it? There's only 7 spots left so if you've been thinking about getting away for a couple of days to focus on you and your biz mindset, this is one you should definitely be checking out.

You can find out more and hold your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eFqek-A4

And if you're a coach or event organiser and you're putting together a retreat and want to talk about what a photography package could look like, I'd love to have a chat - just drop into my DMs or give me a call.

04/09/2026

I'm looking for tradies who want to grow their visibility online.

I know you don't want to stand in front of a camera (we can actually work around that). But "people buy from people" - and when you're working on/in someone's house trust is a massive factor in the decision-making process.

It's why referrals and word-of-mouth are where most of your clients come from. And when you have an online presence (ie: active socials or a good website) that referral is far more likely to turn into an enquiry.

Competition in the building industry is fierce right now. If you want to talk about how you can stand out from the pack, give me a call or flick me a message.

26/08/2026

Did you forget your "About" page?

For a page that ranks consistently in the top 3 most visited pages on a business website, it's the one that's often left till last - or worse - forgotten about completely.

If you have a personal brand, are a client-facing service business or a boutique operator it's a no-brainer.

Websites featuring an authentic, human-centered About Page see up to a 30% higher conversion rate compared to those that rely on generic, faceless corporate-style descriptions.

Don't believe me? Just start reading some reviews - the 5 star ones almost always start with a comment about the person behind the service.

"Friendly hosts"
"Kelly and Jim went out of their way..."
"Stephen was great! Very knowledgeable..."
"Our guide for the day was awesome"
"Thank you to Amanda for being extra helpful"

Writing about yourself is hard, but at the end of the day - people just want to know if you're the type of person they'll connect with. Don't overthink it.

And of course having good photos will pull a lot of the weight 😉

If you're looking for a bit of a refresh and want photos where you look relaxed and like yourself, get in touch. I have a few spots left for September.

24/08/2026

There’s a reason people scroll past ten hotels before they finally book one.

As a travel broker, I had a bit of a reputation for picking awesome places for my clients - even in cities I'd never set foot in.

Location was top of the list (obviously!) but the final call usually came down to the photos. If a property's gallery looked dark, outdated, or completely mismatched, it made me hesitate.

When you're dropping good money on a getaway, you want to feel sure about where you're staying.

If the photos feel flat or forgotten, people subconsciously assume the experience might be a bit flat too. But when the photos look warm, clear, and real? It takes away the guesswork, and clicking 'book now' becomes a no-brainer.

Hotel & venue crew:
What’s the one thing your guests always rave about when they check in? Tell me below!

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Hi, I’m Anita — Bay of Plenty photographer. I use my travel industry background to shoot the real, unscripted moments that turn scrollers into guests. Need an image refresh for your venue? DM me and let's chat!

📸 Shot on location at the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

15/12/2025

They're here!!!

My 2026 calendars arrived from Virtual Print Design and Branding (incredible service, highly recommend!!) and they look fantastic!

Pre-orders all went out on Saturday... so watch your letterboxes 🤩

If you haven't ordered yours yet, these will make fantastic last-minute client thank you gifts.

I'm doing a final run to the post office for pre-Christmas delivery tomorrow (Wednesday 17th)... and after that it'll be in the postie's hands (literally haha) as to when they're delivered.

Link is in comments... don't miss out...